Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Nut Bread – Perfect for Overripe Bananas

Transform those spotted, overripe bananas sitting on your counter into something absolutely delicious and surprisingly healthy. This whole wheat banana nut bread proves that nutritious doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. The secret lies in using 100% whole wheat flour, which adds fiber and nutrients while creating a hearty, satisfying texture that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Your family will never guess they’re eating a healthier version of their favorite treat.

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Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer

This isn’t just another banana bread recipe. It’s a thoughtfully crafted approach to making comfort food healthier without compromising on taste or texture. Combining whole wheat flour, overripe bananas, and carefully balanced ingredients creates a moist, flavorful loaf that satisfies your cravings while providing actual nutrition. Plus, it’s ready to bake in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous baking sessions.

Why This Is the Banana Bread Recipe You Want to Try

Your search for the best banana bread recipe that is also healthy is over! This healthy whole wheat flour banana bread is deliciously moist and sweet. You don’t even have to tell anyone it’s healthy!

This banana bread with whole wheat flour has several things going for it:

• It’s wholesome, healthful, and hearty.
• You get a tender and moist whole wheat banana bread.
• It’s not overly sweet, so the banana taste shines.
• It’s made with 100% whole wheat.
• It’s ready to bake in less than 15 minutes.
• You will be surprised at how good it is.

Plus, your kids will love using the potato masher to mash the bananas. And they’ll also love talking you into adding some chocolate chips!

Why Whole Wheat Banana Bread Is Healthy

This banana bread is comprised of many wholesome ingredients – whole wheat flour, mashed bananas, eggs, nuts, and more. This healthy whole wheat banana bread recipe is perfect for those overripe bananas we often don’t want to eat (or even look at!).

• Whole wheat flour adds lots of nutrition and fiber while giving the bread a hearty texture.
• If you want a healthier diet, you can begin by switching from all-purpose flour to whole wheat flour. However, you will need to add a little more baking powder to help the bread rise high!
• This whole wheat flour banana bread recipe calls for a reasonable amount of oil rather than whole sticks of butter.

Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Bread – Ingredients You Will Need

Satisfy your urge to bake and taste buds with a fluffy, warm loaf of whole wheat banana bread. All you need are overripe bananas, eggs, and a few pantry staples. Here is a list of all the ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour – Provides fiber, nutrients, and a hearty texture that makes this bread more satisfying
• Baking powder – An Essential leavening agent that helps whole wheat bread rise properly
• Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness naturally present in bananas

Wet Ingredients:

• Overripe bananas – The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness, moisture, and distinctive flavor
• Eggs – Add structure, richness, and help bind all ingredients together
• Oil – Creates tender crumb and keeps the bread moist without excess saturated fat
• Sugar – Complements the banana’s sweetness and helps with texture and browning

Add-Ins:

• Walnuts – Provide healthy fats, protein, and a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with soft bread

How to Make This Whole Wheat Banana Bread Recipe

Like most quick bread, this moist whole wheat banana bread is very easy to put together. You simply mix the dry ingredients together and the wet ingredients together and then combine the two. Here are the simple steps:

1. Whisk together the dry ingredients.

2. Combine the oil and eggs in a large bowl and then add in the bananas. 

3. Combine the dry and wet ingredients. 

4. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for approximately 45 minutes at 350°F.
5. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes then remove it and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

CopyKat Tip: Mash bananas with your mixer. Place large pieces of bananas in the bowl of your stand mixer or use a regular mixing bowl and a hand mixer. Start beating on low, gradually increasing to medium-high as the bananas begin to break down. 

Banana Bread FAQ

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature Storage: Store covered for 2-3 days in an airtight container, as whole wheat bread has a shorter shelf life than refined flour versions
• Refrigerator Storage: Keep wrapped for 5-7 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for best flavor
• Freezer Storage: Wrap tightly in multiple layers and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future enjoyment
• Reheating Method: Toast individual slices or warm whole loaf wrapped in foil at 300°F for 10 minutes

Favorite Bread Recipes

• Apple Walnut Muffins
• Boston Brown Bread
• Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls
• Donut Muffins
• Starbucks Banana Nut Bread
• Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
• Texas Roadhouse Bread
• Texas Toast Bread

Popular Recipes with Bananas

• Banana Cake
• IHOP Banana Caramel Pancakes
• Banana Nut Bread French Toast
• Banana Pudding in a Jar
• Banana Split Cake with Cream Cheese

Check out more of my easy bread recipes and favorite family recipes on CopyKat!

This recipe is from the archives of my grandmother, Ethel Eynard. Jefferson City, MO. 1981.